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Laos
28 scams
Laos is “Simply Beautiful”. Here, you can watch sunsets on the Mekong, see rustic stilt houses, glowing paddy fields, explore river caves and visit ancient temples full of history.
However, the country has its share of tourist targeted scamsand some petty crime to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 1191
- Tourist police (Vientiane): 021-251-128
- Ambulance: 1195
- Fire: 1190
Travel resources
Unofficial tourist office scams in Laos
5 0How it works: There are fake tourist information bureaus run by brokers/middlemen working for restaurants, hotels and shops which overcharge tourists. If what you want is not part of their…
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Market shopping scams in Laos
5 0How it works: Scam 1: after you have agreed on a price and have made payment, the vendor changes his mind and claims that there are additional fees you have…
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Slowboat/longboat transport scams in Laos
5 0How it works: Scam 1: a local posing as a boat staff/agent lies about limited accommodation at your destination. He then offers to help you book a place at an…
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Bus breakdown scams in Laos
5 0How it works: Version 1: this generally happens with bus with very cheap tickets. Halfway, your bus breaks down and you will be guided to a hotel where the operator…
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Laos-Thailand border crossing scam in Laos
5 1How it works: Opening: near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, some drivers may bring you to an unofficial office to “process” your papers for the border crossing. Set-up: you will be…
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Caves unofficial guides in Laos
4 0How it works: Unsolicited unofficial guides will latch on to you and point point their torchlight at random points. Once you reach a spot where you can’t “escape” (e.g. a…
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Kuang Si Falls scams in Laos
4 0How it works: Scam 1: You take a bus, and 10 minutes before reaching Kuang Si Falls, your driver stops and gets everyone to pay him the entry fee. This…
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Fraudulent tour operators in Laos
2 0How it works: Situation: fraudulent tour operators and guides are a dime a dozen here. Version 1: a bus journey may include several stops at shops. Some may not even…
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Rental bike “damages” in Laos
2 0How it works: You are charged for tiny scratches or marks not caused by you. These fines will be exorbitant and if you refuse to pay, your passport will not…
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Rental bike theft in Laos
2 0How it works: There are rogue rental bike companies which send someone to steal your rental bike. You are then forced to pay an exorbitant replacement fee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl2z3_FGUzs Places to…
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Opium laced food and drinks in Laos
2 0How it works: In Vang Vieng, food spiked with opium (e.g. ‘happy pizza’ or ‘special shakes’) is available in many places. There is no guarantee that the substances put in…
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Home gambling scam in Laos
2 1How it works: Opening: Version 1: a local asks where you are from, claims to have a relative heading there, then invites you for a meal at his house hoping…
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Tham Phu Kham Cave Blue Lagoon scam in Laos
2 0How it works: Scammers have set up fake signs indicating “caves this way” or “Blue Lagoon this way”. This is to sidetrack you to another area where they can charge…
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Vang Vieng taxiboat scams in Laos
2 0How it works: In the evening, rogue taxiboats will offer cheap lifts at around 10,000. If you take one, they may leave you stranded on the water unless you pay…
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Tuk-tuk scams in Laos
2 0How it works: Version 1: offering cheap tours and sending you to shops instead of where you want to go. If you do not spend at these shops, the driver…
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